685 days ago

Tie everything down

Julie Neighbourly Lead from Havelock North

If you have trampolines weighted down, I highly recommend you get them tied down. And leave the net openings undone. If the zips or ties are done up they are more likely to catch wind and tear. This is supposed to be a doozy, and trampoline weights are only good for bouncing ballast, not cyclone winds.
A packet of strops (tie downs) is about $20, from Tumu, Bunnings or M10. They are worth their weight in gold.

If you can’t tie your tramp down take the mat off, or tip it on its side and take the legs off, and shove it flat against a solid fence or wall, with a solid weight holding it in place, or even a couple of Waratahs in the ground to secure it in place, or behind a shed. Tie it to a tree or concreted clothesline or fence post. Secure it as best you can, even if the best you can do is shove it under the trees in the garden.

Put outdoor furniture away, or stack it flat against a wall, with something really heavy in front. Even ashtrays outside can become projectiles. And make sure your bbq gas bottle is in the shed or garage.

Shut your curtains and blinds before the big winds hit. They’ll offer extra protection from flying debris.

Be prepared for power outages. Have cooked food, or food that doesn’t need cooking, on hand. And get firewood in, if you have a fire. You can use that for cooking, heating, heating water, and light.
Make sure your phones are fully charged and you have batteries or charged power banks. And don’t use them up on Facebook or videos or using the flash for a torch.

And keep your pets inside too.

Take care and take care of each other.

More messages from your neighbours
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Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

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From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

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When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 4.7% Second half of November
    4.7% Complete
  • 43.6% 1st December
    43.6% Complete
  • 17.7% A week before Christmas
    17.7% Complete
  • 33% Whenever you wish
    33% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
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3 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.8% Yes
    82.8% Complete
  • 14.4% No
    14.4% Complete
  • 2.8% Other - I'll share below
    2.8% Complete
1400 votes
5 days ago

What's your favourite tomato recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.

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